Bangkok River Level Thread - 2025

[Crossy]

By popular demand.

 

Nothing much happening as yet, but watch this space.

 

Live stream from Ko Kret here: -

 

EDIT The livestream seems to keep moving go to https://www.youtube.com/@eonsolution02 to see the latest.

 

[John Drake]

We're going to need it! Need to get a reading on the water level in the dams, too.

[Crossy]

https://www.thaiwater.net/ is worth a look but it can be a bit slow and confusing.

 

Gemini AI says: -

 

Unfortunately, specific, real-time data on the water levels and discharge rates of all dams in Thailand for today, May 14, 2025, is not readily available in a single, comprehensive source. The information is often spread across various reports and updates from different agencies.

However, based on the available information, we can provide some insights and comparisons with data from last year (2024):

Current Situation (May 14, 2025):

• Major Dams: Thaiwater.net provides some current levels for major dams:
  • Bhumibol Dam: Current level is at 55% of normal capacity (27% usable storage).
  • Sirikit Dam: Current level is at 58% of normal capacity (28% usable storage).
  • Pa Sak Jorasit Dam: Current level is at 21% of normal capacity (21% usable storage). This indicates a significantly lower level compared to the other two major dams.
  • Wachiralongkorn Dam: Current level is at 59% of normal capacity (25% usable storage).
• Chao Phraya River Basin: Reports from early May 2025 indicated a rising water level in the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok due to increased discharge from upstream, with northern runoffs around 1,900 cubic meters per second.  
   
• Overall Reservoir Storage: A report from late April 2025 stated that the total water volume in large-scale reservoirs nationwide was 59% of total capacity, with 39% usable storage. This was noted as being higher than the same period in 2024.
• Mekong River: Water levels at key monitoring stations along the Lower Mekong mainstream, particularly in northern Thailand, reached alarm levels in late August 2024 due to persistent heavy rainfall. Nong Khai station reached flood level. While this was a situation from last year, it highlights the potential for rapid changes in water levels due to rainfall.

Comparison with Last Year (2024):

• A report from late April 2025 mentioned that the overall usable water volume in large-scale reservoirs was higher (by 2,055 MCM) compared to the same period in 2024.
• In late September 2024, there were warnings issued for provinces along the Chao Phraya River due to increased discharge rates from the Chao Phraya Dam, necessitated by heavy rains and runoffs from the North. This led to concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas.  
   
• In late October 2024, further warnings were issued for downstream provinces of the Chao Phraya Dam due to heavy rainfall in upstream areas, leading to increased discharge rates up to 1,600 cubic meters per second.  
   

 

[Crossy]

Some reference photos for today.

 

High tide at Ko-Kret

 

 

And the Green House

 

 

 

[Crossy]

 

High tide at Ko-Kret, not really much to report as yet.

 

 

 

[Crossy]

This was high-tide at Ko Kret this morning, definitely a bit of upness, but still well in the green.

 

 

There are big tides coming towards the end of the month https://www.tide-forecast.com/locations/Bangkok-Thailand/tides/latest we shall see if anything significant occurs then.

 

[John Drake]

Flood warnings upstream?

[Crossy]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3037806/bangkok-on-alert-as-flood-threat-grows-along-chao-phraya

 

High this morning.

 

 

Tonight will be the highest.

 

 

 

[Crossy]

High last night, hopefully this is the highest, for now.

 

 

This morning at the Green House.

 

 

[Crossy]

I've set up one of our CCTV cameras for a river view, it's not available on the public internet just yet (that's Task B) but I can monitor it from anywhere.

 

A slightly different view but the main features are there 🙂 

 

Sample screenshot.

 

[Crossy]

 

Dam level update from Gemini.

 

Here's the latest information as of June 12, 2025, or as close as possible:

Current Situation (June 12, 2025):

• Overall Reservoir Storage: As of June 9, 2025 (the most recent comprehensive data available), national reservoir storage had reached 43,246 million cubic meters, accounting for 57% of total capacity. These reservoirs still have the capacity to receive an additional 33,245 million cubic meters (43% of their full capacity). This indicates a healthy overall water situation for the start of the rainy season.

• Major Dams (Chao Phraya River Basin - as of June 9, 2025):

• The four major dams in the Chao Phraya River Basin (Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan, and Pasak Jolasid) currently store a combined 13,158 million cubic meters, which represents 53%1 of their total capacity. They can still accommodate 11,713 million cubic meters of water.

• Specific percentages for individual dams (as of early June/late May 2025 reports):

• Bhumibol Dam: Around 55-57% of normal capacity (28% usable storage as of latest Thaiwater.net).

• Sirikit Dam: Around 53-58% of normal capacity (23-28% usable storage as of latest Thaiwater.net).

• Pa Sak Jorasit Dam: Around 16% of normal capacity (16% usable storage as of latest Thaiwater.net). This dam consistently shows lower levels compared to the others.

• Wachiralongkorn Dam: Around 55% of normal capacity (21% usable storage as of latest Thaiwater.net).

• Srinagarind Dam: Reported at 72.94% capacity (April 2025 data).

• Bang Lang Dam: Reported at 82.28% capacity (April 2025 data).

• Rajjaprabha Dam: Reported at 62.52% capacity (April 2025 data).

• Chao Phraya River & Discharge Rates:

• Recent continuous rainfall across several regions has increased water inflows.

• The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has been actively managing discharge rates. As of a recent report (early June 2025), the RID found it necessary to gradually increase the discharge through the Chao Phraya Dam at station C13 (Sapphaya district, Chai Nat province) from2 600 cubic meters per second to 700 cubic meters per second, effective from June 9, 2025. This was due to rising water flow from the North.

• River water levels in northern Thailand's major tributaries remain within normal ranges. For instance, the Ping River near Banphot Phisai District in Nakhon Sawan was about 4 meters below the riverbank, and the Nan River in Chum Saeng District was 6 meters below (as of June 9, 2025).

• The water flow at station C.2 in Mueang Nakhon Sawan District (where the Ping and Nan rivers converge to form the Chao Phraya) measured 710 cubic meters per second, still approximately 7 meters below the riverbank.

• Recent Warnings/Events:

• On May 28, 2025, residents in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya were warned of possible Chao Phraya River overflow due to increased discharge from the Chao Phraya barrage, which had increased its water discharge to 1,000 cubic meters per second. This raised downstream levels by 0.6 to 1.7 meters.

• The Thai Meteorological Department has issued warnings of continued heavy rain in the North due to a passing monsoon trough, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Comparison with Last Year (2024):

• Higher Overall Storage: A significant point is that the total water volume in large-scale and medium-scale reservoirs as of May 25, 2025, was 3,022 MCM higher than in 2024 for all reservoirs, and 2,918 MCM higher for large-scale reservoirs specifically. The Northern region's reservoir volume was also 2,525 MCM (or 23%) higher than in 2024. This indicates a generally better water reserve situation at the start of the rainy season this year.

• Chao Phraya Dam Discharge: Last year, around late September 2024, the Chao Phraya Dam increased its outflow from 1,500 to 2,000 cubic meters per second due to higher water from the North. This was a significantly higher discharge rate compared to the current 700 cubic meters per second. This suggests that while there is an increase in discharge this year, it's not at the same critical levels as late last rainy season.

• Drought Concerns: In early May 2025, the Lam Takhong Dam in Nakhon Ratchasima was reported at its lowest water level in 20 years (9% capacity), highlighting that some regions are still facing drought challenges despite improved overall national storage. Last year, in November 2024, farmers in Korat were warned against a second rice crop due to low dam levels, indicating ongoing regional water stress.

In summary:

As of June 12, 2025, Thailand's major reservoirs appear to be in a better water storage position than at the same time last year, thanks to recent rainfall. The Royal Irrigation Department is actively managing dam discharges, with current increases being implemented in response to northern runoffs, though these rates are generally lower than peak discharge events seen in late 2024. The emphasis is on balancing flood mitigation with ensuring sufficient water for the dry season. However, localized drought concerns persist in some areas, like Nakhon Ratchasima.

For the very latest real-time data, it is always recommended to check the official websites of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) or Thaiwater.net, as water conditions can change rapidly with weather patterns.

[Crossy]

High last night (big tide) nothing to worry about right now.